Photos: Top ten cities where dogs attack postal workers most often and Denver's rising rank

Each May, the U.S. Postal Service compiles a list of the cities with the most reported dog attacks on postal workers -- and in 2013 (using data from the previous year), Denver ranked twelfth out of fourteen. But while that's not great, it's better than Denver's placement on the new roster, which finds the Mile High City moving up considerably, with a dog-attack figure nearly double its most recent total.

Look below to see the photo-illustrated top ten, complete with data from both years and information shared and compiled by the Postal Service about avoiding dog bites whether you're a postal worker or not.

Number 10: Kansas City, Missouri

Total attacks in 2012: Not available

Total attacks in 2013: 33

Previous ranking: Outside the top 14

Avoiding attacks

• Always let a dog see and sniff you before petting the animal.

• If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.

• If you are knocked down by a dog, curl into a ball and protect your face with your hands.

Number 9: Columbus, Ohio

Total attacks in 2012: Not available

Total attacks in 2013: 39

Previous ranking: Outside the top 14

Avoiding attacks, continued

• Never approach a strange dog, especially one that's tethered or confined.

• Don't disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

• Anyone wanting to pet a dog should first obtain permission from the owner.

Continue to keep counting down the top ten cities where dogs attack postal workers most often.

Number 8: Denver, Colorado

Total attacks in 2012: 23

Total attacks in 2013: 41

Previous ranking: 12

Avoiding Attacks, continued

• Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.

• Don't run past a dog. The dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch you.

• If a dog threatens you, don't scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.

Number 7: Dallas, Texas

Total attacks in 2012: 21

Total attacks in 2013: 45

Previous ranking: 13

State Farm Insurance

As the nation's largest property and casualty insurer in the country, State Farm understands the damage that a dog bite can do. In 2012, the company paid more than $136 million dollars as a result of nearly 4,500 dog bite claims. There are good dogs and bad dogs within every breed, just as there can be responsible and irresponsible owners. State Farm does not refuse insurance based on the breed of dog a customer owns in the United States. Instead, we urge owners to be responsible with their pets.

Continue to keep counting down the top ten cities where dogs attack postal workers most often.

Number 6: Baltimore, Maryland

Total attacks in 2012: 29

Total attacks in 2013: 46

Previous ranking: 8

Prevent The Bite

A nonprofit organization devoted to keeping children safe from dog bites, Prevent The Bite meets the national standards of education, and makes it possible for anyone to teach children how to avoid being bitten.

Number 5: Chicago, Illinois

Total attacks in 2012: 41

Total attacks in 2013: 47

Previous ranking: 3

Insurance Information Institute

Dog bites account for more than a third of all homeowners' insurance liability claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability if your dog injures another person or damages someone else's property. The best way to protect yourself is to prevent your dog from biting anyone in the first place.

Continue to keep counting down the top ten cities where dogs attack postal workers most often.

Number 4: San Diego, California

Total attacks in 2012: Not available

Total attacks in 2013: 53

Previous ranking: Outside the top 14

American Veterinary Medical Association

Any dog can bite. Protect your family and community and the welfare of dogs with early education programs. The Blue Dog Parent Guide and CD is targeted and tested for children from 3 to 6 years old and is intended as a tool to be incorporated as part of a more comprehensive prevention program.

Number 3: Cleveland, Ohio

Total attacks in 2012: 26

Total attacks in 2013: 58

Previous ranking: 10

American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery

"Most children love dogs and like to put their face up close to the dog's face. Parents should never permit this," said Dr. Joseph Serletti, president of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery. "Even the friendliest dog may bite when startled or surprised. Be cautious, once a child is scarred they are scarred for life. We hear this line all the time 'The dog has never bitten anyone before'. A dog's reaction to being surprised or angered is not predictable."

Continue to keep counting down the top ten cities where dogs attack postal workers most often.

Number 2: Los Angeles, California

Total attacks in 2012: 69

Total attacks in 2013: 61

Previous ranking: 1

American Humane Association

Children should be taught to never approach an unfamiliar dog. Infants and young children should never be left alone with any dog; interactions between children and dogs should always be monitored to ensure safety for both the dog and the child. Children should be taught to treat the dog with respect and not engage in rough or aggressive play.

Number 1: Houston, Texas

Total attacks in 2012: 27

Total attacks in 2013: 63

Previous ranking: 9

American Academy of Pediatrics

The AAP reminds parents to never leave a young child unsupervised around any dog, even a pet well-known to the family. Very young children should be taught not to tease or hurt animals. And with school almost over for the year, children will be spending more time in parks, at friends' homes, and other places where they may encounter dogs. They need to know what to do to minimize the risk of being bitten.